By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) Sensitization Committee has charged the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to fast track the 2026 Hajj preparations and ensure all Hajj fares are remitted to NAHCON on or before the 21st December, 2025.
The North East Commissioner at NAHCON Abuja, Alhaji Abba Jato gave the charge at the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board when he led a powerful sensitization team on the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The commissioner said “Timely payment of Hajj fares would facilitate orderly preparation for accommodations, visa and other logistics in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia for a hitch free Hajj exercise”.
Abba Jato noted that issuance of visa to intending pilgrims will be closed by Saudi authorities on the 2nd of February 2026, hence the importance of timely payment and remittance of the Hajj fares.
On matters surrounding the health of intending pilgrims, Abba Jato revealed that “The Saudi Authorities have issued strict guidelines mandating the vaccination of all intending pilgrims against major communicable diseases”.
He added that” The new guidelines equally excluded pregnant women, the elderly, sick persons and those with mental illnesses from performing the 2026 Hajj”.
He charged the board to intensify in awareness creation in order to carry the public, especially the intending pilgrims along.
Responding, the Chairman Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board who doubles as Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Abdulƙadir Rasheed, appreciated the team for the timely alert, noting that “We shall engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful Hajj exercise”.
Commenting on the Federal Government’s order to slash the 2026 Hajj fares, the chairman encouraged intending pilgrims to pay the amount earlier pegged by NAHCON to avoid delays, assuring that they shall be refunded when the Federal Government decided on the new fares.
On his part, the Executive Secretary, Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, assured of strict compliance to the new Saudi guidelines.
There was question and answer session, where issues are raised by board members, Hajj training officials and local governments Hajj officers on challenges experienced during the 2025 Hajj exercise.
The NAHCON officials responded to all issues raised, with emphasis on timely preparations and adherence to guiding rules and regulations.